Beta-glucans, history, and the present: immunomodulatory aspects and mechanisms of action
Language English Country Great Britain, England Media print
Document type Historical Article, Journal Article, Review
PubMed
18382858
DOI
10.1080/15476910802019045
PII: 791664549
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- MeSH
- Macrophage Activation drug effects immunology MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents chemistry therapeutic use MeSH
- beta-Glucans * chemistry history immunology metabolism therapeutic use MeSH
- Cell Wall chemistry metabolism MeSH
- History, 19th Century MeSH
- History, 20th Century MeSH
- Fungi chemistry classification isolation & purification metabolism MeSH
- Immunologic Factors * chemistry history immunology metabolism therapeutic use MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Inflammation Mediators adverse effects MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Antigen Presentation drug effects immunology MeSH
- Antineoplastic Agents chemistry therapeutic use MeSH
- Toll-Like Receptors immunology metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- History, 19th Century MeSH
- History, 20th Century MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Historical Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Anti-Bacterial Agents MeSH
- beta-Glucans * MeSH
- Immunologic Factors * MeSH
- Inflammation Mediators MeSH
- Antineoplastic Agents MeSH
- Toll-Like Receptors MeSH
The present paper represents a comprehensive up-to-date review of beta -glucans, their chemical and biological properties, and their role in immunological reactions. beta -D-Glucans belong to a group of physiologically active compounds called biological response modifiers and represent highly conserved structural components of cell walls in yeast, fungi, or seaweed. Despite almost 150 years of research, the exact mechanisms of their action remain unclear. The present review starts with the history of glucans. Next, attention is focused on sources and structure, comparing the effects of physicochemical properties, and sources on biological effects. As glucans belong to natural products useful in preventing various diseases, they have been highly sought after throughout human history. Based on extensive recent research, this paper explains the various mechanisms of effects and the ways glucans mediate their effects on defense reactions against infections. Despite the fact that predominately pharmacological effects of glucans are positive, their unfavorable and potentially toxic side effects were not overlooked. In addition, attention was focused on the future research, possible alternatives such as synthetic oligosaccharides, and on clinical applications.
References provided by Crossref.org
Development of Fish Immunity and the Role of β-Glucan in Immune Responses
β-glucans and cholesterol (Review)
Effects of glucan on bone marrow
The Effects of β - Glucan on Fish Immunity
